Former GM Marketing Exec Jackson Joins Phelps

Mike Jackson, a former vp of marketing and advertising for General Motors North America, is joining Phelps as president, a new position at the Los Angeles independent.

In conjunction with that move, Jackson is winding down operations at Jackson and Partners, the Detroit agency he set up with one-time BBDO Detroit creative chief Gary Topolewski and consultant Randy Easterbrook. Prior to GM, Jackson held senior-level sales and marketing roles at Coors Brewing, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola.

Agency founder Joe Phelps remains CEO. Jackson said that after a mutual friend gave him a copy of Phelps’ marketing book “Pyramids are Tombs” last year, the two met. Jackson spent time at the agency and the two agreed he should come onboard and be part of the succession plan at the Santa Monica shop. Jackson will also be working with Phelps Total Market, the company's multicultural operations.

“I spent six hours there and I was struck by what I saw in his strong integrated operations. So a new year, a new start,” said Jackson. “My focus will be on business development, Phelps brand development and existing clients. I’ll handle the day-to-day while Joe will be more focused on the agency’s strategic direction.”

Among the marketers Phelps works for are Panasonic, Public Storage, Tetra Pak, Whole Foods, Panera Bread, Aramark, Southern California Gas Co. and Los Angeles World Airports.

Mike Jackson, a former vp of marketing and advertising for General Motors North America, is joining Phelps as president, a new position at the Los Angeles independent.

In conjunction with that move, Jackson is winding down operations at Jackson and Partners, the Detroit agency he set up with one-time BBDO Detroit creative chief Gary Topolewski and consultant Randy Easterbrook. Prior to GM, Jackson held senior-level sales and marketing roles at Coors Brewing, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola.

Agency founder Joe Phelps remains CEO. Jackson said that after a mutual friend gave him a copy of Phelps’ marketing book “Pyramids are Tombs” last year, the two met. Jackson spent time at the agency and the two agreed he should come onboard and be part of the succession plan at the Santa Monica shop. Jackson will also be working with Phelps Total Market, the company's multicultural operations.

“I spent six hours there and I was struck by what I saw in his strong integrated operations. So a new year, a new start,” said Jackson. “My focus will be on business development, Phelps brand development and existing clients. I’ll handle the day-to-day while Joe will be more focused on the agency’s strategic direction.”

Among the marketers Phelps works for are Panasonic, Public Storage, Tetra Pak, Whole Foods, Panera Bread, Aramark, Southern California Gas Co. and Los Angeles World Airports.